... I've spoken about at length with the manufacturer and am advised that folowing inttroduction to the marketplace late in 2008 the product has performed very well. Currently I'm awaiting an MK14 Guardian mosquito trap to trial in my back yard. Initially, here's what I can tell you: Essentially, Guardian comes fully assembled and ready to use with just 3 main components, top, bottom and center post to unite, so it's very easy to set up and the propane tank (not included) attaches with ease. Once erected, turn on the gas at the propane tank valve, depress and hold the gas on valve then press the igniter and Guardian starts burning propane to attract mosquitoes to C02. Then, plug in Guardian to a 120 volt AC outlet, turn on the front toggle switch to activate the blue light, and thermal imaging attractants ; the intake fan is now on to draw flying insets into the capture net. Finally, hang the provided octenol strip at the front of Guardian using the included S-hook. The entire set-up took just a few minutes and was very straightforward.
I've had Guardian Mk-12 activated continuously for days now and it has been working flawlessly through, high winds, heavy rain, hot and cold temperatures. The rear wheels are useful when you want to move Guardian from place to place, just grasp the bottom front frame, hold the top steady tipping Guardian backward just a bit and pull forward (won't work in reverse)- that easy !
What to expect: Guardian MK-12 is intended to reduce the population of flying insects such as mosquitos and black flies and should be used early in the black fly and mosquito season. It is not intended for brief, periodic use such parties and barbecues. When used as directed the product will reduce the flying insect population as mentioned.
MK14, cordless, how so ? That's correct, no electrical or extension cords are required! Ingeniously, the unit is powered by a patented internal power generation mechanism that uses propane fuel to operate the fan and LEDs. Thus, MK14 eliminates a major hindrance for positioning because you are not restricted by the need for an external electric power source. At last, a cordless propane mosquito trap.
Product integrity: Koolatron / Lentek has true depth of competence and service. They research and back their products fully. Having sold multiple products from their line over the past 5 years only the best level of service has been provided.
How does it work?: Combines very effective blood seeking flying insect attractants: Foremost is production of CO2, moisture, heat,through slow burning of propane. Then, octenol vapor, shape, colour and thermal imaging to draw , capture and kill mosquitos and other fly insects within a 1 acre range. The octenol cartridge hangs on the side of Guardian's housing with supplied "S" hook. Another feature I truly like is the re-useable capture net, it's durable and intended to last for years. Fortunately, like other Guardian components should it ever become damaged a replacement is available from the manufacturer conveniently located in Canada or the USA.
Octenol (1-octen-3-ol) is a naturally occurring by-product that comes from plants and some animals, (pheromone and kairomone) such as oxen and cows, that ingest large amounts of vegetable matter. Guardian comes with one octenol cartridge included in the purchase price. The optional extra octenol is a pack of two cartridges. The cartridge is a solid plastic strip which contains octenol mosquito attractants from which the vapor attractant is emitted. Over time the vapor will evaporate from within the cartridges strip. The effective life of each cartridge is 21 days. After 21 days the octenol mosquito attractant will evaporate and no longer be effective. Package of 2 should last up to 42 days.
octenol.
So as it's often wondered, "why pay more"? Comparable propane mosquito traps can cost substantially more than Guardian, an efficient, durable, well made and effective trap that incorporates all of the very latest and proven mosquito attractant and capture techniques. Here's what some customoers have to say about Guardian products: